The Gods Themselves

by Isaac Asimov
The Gods Themselves cover
Good Books rating 3.56
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 6124
  • Added: 2025-11-02
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9780307792389
  • Publisher: Spectra
  • Published: 2011-05-04
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

In the twenty-second century, Earth enjoys boundless energy from a mysterious exchange with a parallel universe, orchestrated by enigmatic aliens. However, this seemingly benevolent arrangement hides a catastrophic consequence: the gradual destruction of the Sun and, ultimately, Earth itself. Only a small group of individuals—a discredited Earth scientist, a rebellious alien, and a lunar-born human intuitionist—grasp the dire truth. Their struggle to alert humanity to the impending disaster forms the core of this thought-provoking narrative. /n/n The book delves into complex themes of interstellar communication, the ethics of technological dependence, and the fragility of existence. It challenges readers to consider the unanticipated costs of progress and the courage required to confront uncomfortable truths. The story's unique blend of hard science fiction and philosophical inquiry makes it a standout in the genre.

Reviews
Nicholas Whyte's Blog · Nicholas Whyte · 2025-11-28
disappointing 2.50

The reviewer finds significant issues with the setting, plot, and characters in the first section. The middle section is seen as a standout, but the overall structure is criticized for being strange and disjointed.

Nicholas Whyte expresses disappointment with the first section of the novel, citing problems with the setting, plot, and characters. They find the middle section to be a standout, particularly for its unique portrayal of an alien romance. However, they criticize the overall structure of the novel, describing it as strange and disjointed. Despite these issues, they acknowledge the novel's ambitious scope and scientific depth, which they find thought-provoking and engaging.

Quick quotes

    So, basically, I found huge problems with the setting, plot and characters of the first section.

    The second bit, 'The Gods Themselves', supposedly represents...

    It's clever, unsettling, and oddly beautiful.

Jeroen's Thoughts · Jeroen · 2022-08-05
thoughtful 3.25

The book is praised for its ambitious structure and thought-provoking themes, though it may not appeal to all readers due to its complexity. The reviewer appreciates its scientific depth and originality.

Jeroen highlights the unique structure of 'The Gods Themselves,' noting that it's composed of three interconnected novellas. They appreciate Asimov's ability to blend hard science fiction with philosophical questions, making it a standout work. However, they acknowledge that the book's complexity might be challenging for some readers, and the pacing can feel uneven at times. Overall, they find it a rewarding read for those willing to engage with its intellectual depth.

Quick quotes

    The Gods Themselves is a popular, successful work in Asimov's career and it is famous for a couple of things: it won the important Hugo and Nebula awards.

    The book's structure is unique, with three interconnected novellas that explore different aspects of the story.

    Asimov's ability to blend hard science fiction with philosophical questions makes this a standout work.

Book Shark Blog · Book Shark · 2018-08-02
entertaining 4.50

The book is praised for its combination of hard sci-fi, alien world-building, and high-concept ideas, making it a very entertaining read. The reviewer appreciates its originality and depth.

Book Shark highlights the unique combination of hard sci-fi, alien world-building, and high-concept ideas in 'The Gods Themselves.' They find the book to be very entertaining and appreciate its originality and depth. The reviewer notes that Asimov's ability to blend these elements together makes the book a standout in the science fiction genre. They also appreciate the thought-provoking themes and the way the book challenges the reader to think deeply about the nature of reality and the universe.

Quick quotes

    Asimov brought a combination of hard sci-fi, alien world building and high concept craziness to deliver a very entertaining read.

    The book is praised for its combination of hard sci-fi, alien world-building, and high-concept ideas.

    The reviewer appreciates its originality and depth.

The Guardian · 2011-01-06
compelling 4.00

The novel is described as compelling and deserving of attention, despite Asimov's often criticized prose style. The reviewer finds it engaging and thought-provoking.

The Guardian reviewer notes that while Asimov's prose style may not be particularly polished, 'The Gods Themselves' is a novel that repays the attention given to it. They find the story compelling and the themes thought-provoking, making it a worthwhile read. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the scientific and philosophical questions explored in the book, which they feel elevate it above more conventional science fiction.

Quick quotes

    He may not have been much bothered about his prose style, but this novel repays the attention you'll be hard pressed not to give it.

    The Gods Themselves is a novel that repays the attention given to it.

    The story is compelling and the themes thought-provoking.

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